Women's Openweight Crew

High Optimism Surrounds Openweight Program

Nov 01, 2006

Oct. 29, 2006

PRINCETON, N.J. - The MIT openweight women continued its fall season with the program's inaugural appearance at the Princeton Chase. On the day of the event, the winds were strong and the water was rough, causing the cancellation of the pairs, doubles, and fours races. However, the eights raced and the women finished the three-mile course with a time of 18:00.61.

"I was disappointed that the small boat races were cancelled," said freshman Katie McCusker. "But once I was on the starting line in the eight it was obvious that race organizers made an excellent decision. Overall it was a lot of fun to travel with the team and visit with my former teammates."

"Katie came to MIT after having rowed at Saugatuck Rowing Club and she has been a wonderful asset to our varsity squad this fall," noted Coach Derrick. "This regatta was a tremendous opportunity for this young squad to test themselves against the other Sprint schools. It is obvious that we have a lot of work to do to become competitive against these rowing powerhouses but I think the student-athletes are up for the challenge."

On Saturday, Nov. 4th, the Engineers will participate in the Toe of the Charles. It is the second year for this small-boat regatta. The Toe starts with a coxswain and novice scullers race in recreational singles beginning at 8:30 a.m. in head racing format. The course for this event starts at Massachusetts Avenue (Harvard Bridge) and ends at the Boston University boathouse. In the next three events, the course begins near the Museum of Science and finishes at the BU boathouse. Singles start at 9:00 AM, pairs at 9:15 AM and doubles at 9:30 AM.